34th America’s Cup - Oracle Team USA records fifth consecutive win

At the 34th America’s Cup, Oracle Team USA won its fifth race in a row and eighth overall on Monday in San Francisco. The day was limited to one race due to light winds, and Oracle Team USA and Emirates Team New Zealand now return to the race course on Tuesday.

'We know we can win this Cup if we go out and win the next few races,' said skipper Jimmy Spithill. 'We control our own destiny. The boys are incredibly fired up – I’ve never seen them like this before.

'We feel like we’ve made great progress with the performance of the boat, and I think that was evident today in the lighter air. As per usual, we’re going to go back tonight, work hard and come back swinging,' Spithill continued.

In Race 16 of the series – the lone race of the day – the start was delayed to allow the breeze to fill in. When racing got underway, the two boats were off the line clean and Oracle Team USA on starboard got the early jump to lead around Mark one. As Spithill and crew stayed in front, the teams split the course around the second mark. Sailing a consistent race, they held on to win the race and finish 33 seconds ahead of New Zealand.

The teams are currently tied with eight wins apiece, while Emirates Team New Zealand maintains an 8-6 overall lead in points. The winner of the 34th America’s Cup is the first team to win nine points.

'We’re working hard and just keep fighting, and I think everyone is having the race of his life,' said grinder Simeon Tienpont. 'We’re coming together really good and we just have to keep doing what we’re doing.'

Race 17 is scheduled for a 1:15 pm start on Tuesday. In the U.S., the America’s Cup Finals will be broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network. Replays will be available on the America’s Cup YouTube channel.